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In pictures: Alexander McQueen

The fashion designer Alexander McQueen has died at the age of 40, his company has said.

McQueen was born in the East End of London and started his career with an apprenticeship on Savile Row.

He attended Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where his entire graduation collection was bought by the influential fashion editor Isabella Blow.

A former British Designer of the Year winner, McQueen had a reputation for controversy, creating the low cut "bumster" trouser and naming his 1995 collection "Highland Rape".

In 1996 he was appointed as head designer for Givenchy but his early collections were seen as unsuccessful.

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, said Mr McQueen had influenced a whole generation of designers. She added: "His brilliant imagination knew no bounds as he conjured up collection after collection of extraordinary designs."

The world of fashion has paid tribute to Alexander McQueen. Here he is pictured with Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in 2004. His design company said: "We are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."

The designer's ready-to-wear fashion collection for spring-summer was unveiled in Paris last October.

Alexander McQueen's mother, Joyce, died earlier this month. The designer made an announcement on Twitter the next day.

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